# What are all the state mottos? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 9, 2003, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301 "2003-07-09T19:21:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![greck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/1 "2003-07-09T19:21:03Z")
New mexico is “the land of enchantment” Missouri is “the show me state” Minnesota is “land of 10000 lakes” i think California is “the golden state” florida “the sunshine state” others? ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/2 "2003-07-09T19:27:09Z")
Those aren’t [state mottos](http://www.cco.net/~paz/motto&songs.htm). Those are [state nicknames](http://www.1728.com/page2.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/3 "2003-07-09T19:28:33Z")
[State Mottos](http://soli.inav.net/~catalyst/Humor/states.htm). No, seriously: [State Mottos](http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-697.html). ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/4 "2003-07-09T19:30:39Z")
This is from an anglefire site, so beware. Note SC has 2. Alabama Audemus jura nostra defendere… We Dare Defend Our Rights Alaska North To The Future Arizona Ditat Deus … God enriches Arkansas Regnat populus … The people rule California Eureka … I have found it Colorado Nil sine Numine… Nothing without Providence Conneticut Qui transtulit sustinet… He who transplanted still sustains Delaware Liberty and Independence Florida In God We Trust Georgia Wisdom, justice, and moderation Hawaii Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono… The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness Idaho Esto perpetua (Let it be perpetual) It is forever Kansas Ad astra per aspera… To the stars through difficulties Illinois State Sovereignty, National Union Iowa Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain Indiana The crossroads of America Kansas Ad astra per aspera… To the stars through difficulties Kentucky United we stand, divided we fall Louisiana Union, justice, and confidence Maine Dirigo…I direct Maryland Fatti maschil parole femine…Manly deeds womanly words Massachutsetts Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem …By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty Michigan Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice …If you seek a pleasent peninsula, look about you Minnesota L’Etoile du nord …The star of the north Mississippi Virtute et armis …By valor and arms Missouri Salus populi suprema lex esto… The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law Montana Oro y plata …Gold and Silver Nebraska Equality before the law Nevada All for our country New Hampshire Live free or die New Jersey Liberty and Prosperity New Mexico Crescit eundo…It grows as it goes New York Excelsior North Carolina Esse quam videri …To be, rather than to seem North Dakota Liberty and Union Now and Forever, One and Inseparable Ohio With God, all things are possible Oklahoma Labor omnia vincit… Labor conquers all things Oregon Alis Volat Propiis … She Flies With Her Own Wings Pennslyvania Virtue, Liberty, and Independence Rhode Island Hope South Carolina Prepared in mind and resources /While I breathe, I hope South Dakota Under God the people rule Tennesee Agriculture and commerce Texas Friendship Utah Industry Vermont Freedom and unity Virginia Sic Semper Tyrannis… Thus Always to Tyrants Washington Alki… Bye and Bye West Virginia Montani semper liberi… Mountaineers are always free Wisconsin Forward Wyoming Equal rights ---
**Author:** ![malkavia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malkavia/32/5621_2.png) [@malkavia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malkavia)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/5 "2003-07-09T19:32:12Z")
I know ours is “God Enriches” Hoorj for us. -Arizonan. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/6 "2003-07-09T20:24:43Z")
For some reason, I thought ours (Oklahoma) was: "You know why it’s always so windy in Oklahoma? Because Texas sucks and Kansas blows." 😃 Yeah, I know. But, I’m a born and raised Texan, living in the OKC. So, it’s al in fun… ---
**Author:** ![greck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greck)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/7 "2003-07-09T21:19:38Z")
ok, state nicknames was what I was after. thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/8 "2003-07-09T23:29:02Z")
“Maryland Fatti maschil parole femine…Manly deeds womanly words” is no longer correct… Maryland’s state assembly has decided that “manly deeds, womanly words” is sexist, so instead of changing their motto, they have arbitrarily decided to alter Latin. It is now supposed to mean “Strong deeds, gentle words”. Incidentally… anyone know what a Hoosier is? And what stars, exactly, fell on Alabama, and how did they all miss Birmingham? And, perhaps most importantly of all… where exactly are the overseas possessions of New York, the “Empire State”? ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2003, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/9 "2003-07-09T23:41:10Z")
> [@](#): > > where exactly are the overseas possessions of New York, the “Empire State” I dunno, but we are the only state with [its own Navy](http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/nynm/nynavmil.html). So I suppose we could go invade Cuba or something. ---
**Author:** ![Xgemina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/b5e925/32.png) [@Xgemina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xgemina)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/10 "2003-07-10T03:58:39Z")
Sorry to continue a hijack. **friedo** > [@](#): > > I dunno, but we are the only state with its own Navy. But several other states also have a Naval Militia (apparently not all have a home page however.) New Jersey: [http://community.nj.com/cc/njnavy](http://community.nj.com/cc/njnavy) Alaska: [http://www.ak-prepared.com/dmva/97report/Naval\_Militia.htm](http://www.ak-prepared.com/dmva/97report/Naval_Militia.htm) California --from this site: [http://www.militarymuseum.org/CNM.html](http://www.militarymuseum.org/CNM.html) > [@](#): > > The California Naval Militia was reactivated by order of the Governor on July 4, 1976. And this site for the bill that established the NJ Naval Militia states: > [@](#): > > Three other states have naval militias: New York, the oldest and largest; Ohio; and Alaska. [http://www.assemblydems.com/press\_database/november2002/CARABALLOAHEARN%20NAVAL%20MILITIA%20BILL%20ADVANCES.htm](http://www.assemblydems.com/press_database/november2002/CARABALLOAHEARN%20NAVAL%20MILITIA%20BILL%20ADVANCES.htm) ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/11 "2003-07-10T04:00:36Z")
Well, OK. But we have the oldest and largest. So there. :: **friedo** draws up plans to invade New Jersey… :: ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/12 "2003-07-10T04:13:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by friedo \* > \*\*:: **friedo** draws up plans to invade New Jersey… :: \*\* You _could_, but why the hell _would_ you? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/13 "2003-07-10T04:13:29Z")
Don’t even think about it, bubba. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/14 "2003-07-10T04:17:53Z")
yer from New Jersey? What exit? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/15 "2003-07-10T04:43:54Z")
**New Mexico Crescit eundo…It grows as it goes** _snicker_ ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/16 "2003-07-10T04:48:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SnoopyFan \* > \*\***New Mexico > Crescit eundo…It grows as it goes** > > _snicker_ \*\* “Crescit eundo” can be rearranged to spell “Erection Scud.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/17 "2003-07-10T06:46:04Z")
See the kind of trouble a motto can get a state in? [http://www.acluohio.org/press\_releases/2000\_press\_releases/2000.04.20.1.htm](http://www.acluohio.org/press_releases/2000_press_releases/2000.04.20.1.htm) ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/18 "2003-07-10T06:47:53Z")
BTW I can’t find anything later than 2000 on the above. Was it ever taken to the Supreme Court? ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/19 "2003-07-10T06:55:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by friedo \* > \*\* > :: **friedo** draws up plans to invade New Jersey… :: \*\* Wouldn’t that be rather dangerous? I thought New Jersey was one hell of a monstrous big Battleship, and invading it is something I’d hesitate to do! ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2003, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301/20 "2003-07-10T07:08:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ruby \* > \*\*You _could_, but why the hell _would_ you? [NY invading NJ, i.e.] \*\* To get Liberty Island back! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-state-mottos/187301.md?page=2)